Mason&#39;s guide



.Fame 27, E967 H. W. ZENKE 3,327,395

MASON' S GUIDE Filed OCt. 18, 1965 (f6 (if United States Patent O 3,327,395 MASONS GUIDE Howard W. Zenke, Brooklyn, N.Y., assigner to Zetco Engineering and Tool Company, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 18, 1965, Ser. No. 496,796 8 Claims. (Cl. 33-85) My invention relates to a novel tool for use by brick and stone masons, `and more particularly to an improved templet type device which serves as a guide for positioning successive rows of bricks.

`In the setting of bricks, it is customary that successive rows be guided into adjacently disposed parallel rows. Further, where the bricks of 4each of the rows are of the same size, as is typically the case, these adjacent parallel rows are all equally spaced. In order to maintain the proper spacing and parallel disposition of the adjacent rows, it has 4been the general practice to position a taut string at each successive row of bricks being set, with the artisan positioning the brick by using the guide string, in conjunction with a level and trowel. This requires the mason to use a multiplicity of tools, and is quite cumbersome and time-consuming in the successive placement of the taut string at each successive row of bricks to be received.

To solve this problem, the prior lart has demonstrated a considerable variety of levels, squares, gauges and spacing instruments, as typically shown in U.S. Patents Nos. 388,827, 1,210,339, 2,534,940, 2,543,716, 2,857,678, 2,915,829, and 3,169,324. All of these `devices are of only limited benelit in simplifying the brick-laying procedure.

My invention however, constitutes signiiicant improvement over such prior art devices in that it is an extremely simplied tool, demonstrating substantial versatility and greatly facilitating the manner in which successive rows or bricks may be guided into place.

Essentially, the novelmasons guide of lthe instant invention consists of a generally L-shaped templet-like member having a vertically orientated lirst section, and a horizontally orientated second section extending from one end of the first section. The horizontally extending second section includes a planar -surface which forms a platform for labutting engagement with the brick being positioned. A series of notches, or other indicia, are equally spaced along the iirst section. These indicia are separated from the platform an amount corresponding to the desired displacement `of adjacent rows of bricks therefrom. Hence, by lining up successive indicia with a building reference mark (such as a line, along the frame of a building, yor the mortar line), the platform will be located at the ydesired location of the successive rows of brick.

In accordance with a further advantageous feature of my invention, the handle means secured to the templet includes a vertically reciprocal mass which is mounted to transmit an impact force through the platform and against the brick being positioned. Thus, the reciprocal movement of the handle imparts a hammer-like blow to the brick being positioned, thereby avoiding the utilization of a trowel or other tool to urge the brick into its nal position.

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As still another advantageous aspect of the instant invention, the templet is secured to the handle in an eX- tremely simplified manner, which readily permits removal thereof. A series `of templet-like members are provided, having different notch spacings, corresponding to different size lbricks or other construction blocks normally encountered in construction. Hence, as the brick size varies, it is merely necessary that one of the templets be removed and substituted with another templet `so as to provide a series of indicia corresponding to the particular brick size being employed. Further, the horizontal platform may include notches corresponding to the thickness of brick being used, thereby serving to Ialign the forward brick surface.

It is, therefore, seen that a principal object of my invention resides in the provision of ya masons guide for simplifying the manner in which successive rows of bricks may be set in parallel disposed, equally spaced rows.

Another object of my invention is to provide ysuch a brick-layers guide which includes a templet-like member having a series of indicia lcorresponding to the vertical spacing between successive rows of bricks to be guided.

A further object of my invention is to provide a masons guide for positioning successive rows of bricks, comprising in combination a series -of indicia for determining the location of the bricks, and a vertically reciprocable handle to transmit an impact hammer-like blow to the -brick being positioned.

An additional object of my invention is to provide a masons guide for positioning successive rows of bricks, and urging the bricks int-o position, which includes a 'convenient means of modification to accommodate different brick sizes.

These as well as other objects 4of my invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the following descriptions and drawings in which:

FIGUR-E 1 is an exploded perspective view of one form of my invention.

FIGURES 2, 3 and 4 are front elevation, end and plan views, respectively, with the form of my invention as shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view along lines 5-5 of FIGURE y2, looking in the direction lof the arrows, Land shown enlarged, to illustrate the manner in which the handle mass may be vertically reciprocable to impart a hammer-like blow to the brick being set.

FIGURE 6 is a simplified perspective view showing the manner in which the tool of the instant invention may be used to guide the placement of a brick veneer wall about the outside of a frame building.

FIGURES 7 and 8 are templet members for use in conjunction with other brick sizes, and having an indicia spacing corresponding to the spacing between rows containing such bricks.

IFIGURE 9 shows a modified form of my invention for positioning the bricks from a mortar line or similar reference guide below the work area.

FIGURES 10 kand 1l show modied Aforms of my invention, wherein the handle is directly secured to the templet-like member.

Referring to the `figures and FIGURES l through 5 particularly, one form of the masons guide 20, in accordance with the concept of the instant invention, in-

cludes a generally L-shaped member 30, having a vertically orientated first section 32 and a horizontally orientated second section 34, joined at right angle bend 21. The second section 34 includes a planar surface 35 which forms a horizontal platform. Vertical section 32 includes a plurality of uniformly spaced indicia, shown in the form of aligned notches 36, 37; 38, 39; 40, 41; 42, 43; 44, 45; having a spacing from platform 35 corresponding to the spacing between successive rows of bricks to be placed. Further, the horizontal platform 34 may also include one -or more series of aligned notches such as 22, 23 and 24, 25 spaced from I.shaped bend 21 a distance corresponding to the thickness of the various size bricks being used, allowing for the open space between the bricks and the frame wall.

A handle assembly 50 is applied to L-shaped templet member 30 by a plurality of screw means, such as 62, 68, 74 which extend into apertures 60, 66, 72, respectively, of the templet member and terminate in tapped apertures 58, 64, 70 of handle housing member 54. Handle housing member 54 includes a vertical recess 56 which receives another handle member 51 of an appreciable mass. Handle member 51 .is of suitable dimensions to vertically reciprocate within recess 56, and includes an outwardly extending portion 52 which may be `conveniently handgrasped by the user. Hence, as member 51 is vertically reciprocated within recess 56, it will abut against lower surface 57 of the vertical recess. This will transmit an impact force through platform 35 against the brick immediately positioned therebelow (such as brick 212-3 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 6). The imparting of such a hammer-like blow serves to finally tap the brick into its desired position in the manner conventionally achieved by `a trowel or other hammer-like brick-layers tool. A pair of spirit levels 75, 77 are also located along a platform handle member 54 to indicate the level disposition of the brick being set.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 6 to illustrate the manner in which the novel tool of the instant invention may be utilized to guide successive rows of brick veneer about the outside of a frame building. The particular masons guide assembly 20 has a templet 30 including live equally spaced indicia markings, as shown Iin FIGS. l-S. `It should naturally be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only, Iand the templet may include more or less markings, according to the particular brick size and convenience of t-he user in handling the tool.

A series of brick-like markings 220,230, 240 are placed about the wall surface, having a spacing corresponding to five such rows of bricks. FIGURE 6 shows the alignment of the template for laying the second row of bricks 212. In laying the previous row of bricks 210, notches 44, 45 of the vertical templet section 32 had been aligned along building reference guide marking 220. Hence, the platform surface 35 was then located at the top surface of brick line 210. Hence, as the bricks were successively applied, such as bricks 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, etc., indicia guide markings 44, 45 were successively moved from left to right along line 220 with the handle member 51 being vertically reciprocated downward so as to urge the individual brick in position. To position the next layer of bricks 212, the next indicia means, such as 42, 43 is shown located along guide marking 220. Platform surface 35 will now be positioned at the upper surface of successive brick row 212, shown by the manner in which brick 212-'3 is being set. The successive rows of bricks 214, 216, 218 may then be located by positioning aligned indicia means 40, 41; and 38, 39; and 36, 37, successively, at the guide marking 220. After the successive layers of bricks have been set at the guide m'arking 220, the next set of .brick rows may then be positioned by referring to guide markings 230 and `240 respectively.A

Should it `be necessary to set bricks lin a location where there is no inside wall or structure to mark the lines, a

modication of my invention, as shown in FIGURE 9, may be used, with one ofthe mortar lines below the work area as a guide. Handle member 154 is shown secured to the outer surfaces of L-shaped templet member 30 by screws 62, 68, 74. Spirit levels 175, 177 may also be mounted to the horizontally extending portion of handle member 154.

FIGURES 7 and 8 show templet members 130 and 235, corresponding essentially to member 30, but having indicia spacings differing therefrom. That is, templet member `of FIGURE 7 is designed for a smaller brick size and includes ten equally spaced indicia notches 80, 81; 82, 83; 84, 85; 86, 87; 88, 89; 90, 91; 92, 93; 94, 95; 96, 97; and 98, 99. Templet member 235 is designed for a larger brick size and includes ve equally spaced indicia means 102, 103; 104, 105; 106, 107; 108, 109; 110, 111. It should naturally be understood that where a modification of brick size is being effected, the templet may be changed merely by removing screw members 62, 68, 74, and replacing templet member 30 with 130, 235, yor other templet having a spacing corresponding to the particular brick size being used.

Further, as another modification of my invention, two or more indicia spacings may be included within a single templet member, but with the indicia being of a different shape or color so as to readily permit their discernment by the user.

FIGURES lO and l1 correspond to a simplification of my invention, in accordance with the novel arrangement shown in FIGURES 1 and 9, respectively. Namely, the vertically reciproca-ble handle has been replaced with a stationary handle member. This embodiment may be used in those applications where the artisan prefers, because of past experience and familiarity, to utilize his trowel for tapping the brick into final position. Handle member 152 is secured to templet member 30' lby screw means 162, 168, either at the inner portion of the L, as shown in FIG- URE 10 (and corresponding to FIGS. 1-5), or at the outer portion of L, as shown in FIG. 11 (and corresponding to FIG. 9).

It is, therefore, seen that the instant invention provides a simpliied masons guide for locating successive rows of bricks in parallel disposed, equally spaced rows. This avoids the use of a separate level and row-by-row markings of the brick position. Hence, extreme accuracy in brick placement may be achievedfwith only a minimum of effort and skill, permitting a -group of men to start from different points -of the structure and be assured of properly meeting at successive brick rows.

Although there has been described a preferred embodiment of this novel invention, many Variations and modications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the SI- ciiic disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows.

1. A masons guide of the hand tool variety for positioning successive rows of bricks, comprising, in combination:

a substantially L-shaped hand-carried template member, including a first section, extending in a iirst direction,

and a second section projecting from a first end of said tirst section, and extending in a second direction, transverse to said rst direction,

said second section including a planar surface forming a platform means extending in said second direction, for individually urging the bricks into their desired locations,

said first section including a plurality of uniformly spaced indicia means along the length thereof, with the spacing thereof corresponding to the spacing between successive rows of bricks to be guided in place,

handle means mounted to said member for manually grasping and moving said member to successive brick receiving locations,

the distance between successive ones of indicia means handle means mounted to `said member for manually grasping and moving said member to successive brick receiving locations,

the distance between successive ones of indicia means between successive rows of a iirst size of bricks to be guided in place,

said tir-st section of said second member including a plurality of uniformly spaced indicia means, having and said platform, corresponding to the spacing of 5 a second spacing along the vertical length thereof, successive rows of brick from a predetermined buildwith said second spacing corresponding to the vertiing reference line, such that with successive ones of cal spacing between successive rows of a second size said indicia means being positioned at the building of bricks to be guided in place, reference line, said platform position denes the handle means for selective and removable mounting to locations of successive brick rows, and urges the 10 one of said set of template member-s, for selective bricks into said locations, utilization of the member having an indicia means said handle means including a vertically reciprocable spacing corresponding to the particular -brick size mass, mounted to transmit an impact force through being guided into place, said platform and against the brick to be positioned, the distance between successive ones of indicia means such that the reciprocable movement of said mass and said platform of the selected member, correim-parts a hammer-like blow to the brick being posisponding to the spacing of successive rows of brick tioned. from a predetermined building reference line, such 2. A masons guide of the hand tool variety for posithat with successive ones of said indicia means being tioning successive rows of bricks, comprising, in combinapositioned at the building reference line said platform tion: position defines the locations of successive brick rows a substantially L-shaped hand-carried template memand urges the bricks into Said locations,

ber, including a first section, extending in a first direcsaid handle means including a first member secured tion, to said L-shaped member, and a second section projecting from a first end of said said first member including a vertical recess, a second first section, and extending in a second direction, member located within said vertical recess for vertitransverse to said irst direction, cally reciprocating movement therein, said second said second section including a planar surface forming member including a first portion extending outward a platform means extending in -said second direction, 0f Said Vertical receSS for manual grasping, and a for individually urging the bricks into their desired Second portion, 0f appreciable mass, to transmit an locations, impact force through said platform, and against the said first section including a plurality of uniformly brick to be positioned, such that the reciprocable spaced indicia means along the length thereof, with movement 0f Said Second member imparts a hammerthe spacing thereof corresponding to the spacing like bloW to the brick being positioned. between successive rows of bricks to be guided in 4- The method fOr guiding the Positioning 0f Successive place, rows of bricks, utilizing an L-shaped template member,

comprising the steps of:

providing a horizontal reference line on the building receiving the bricks; applying a horizontal layer of mortar along a region and said platform, corresponding to the spacing of which is intended to receive the bottom surface of successive rows of brick from a predetermined buildthe row of bricks being pOSitiOncd; ing reference line, such that with successive ones of placing the bottom surface of an individual brick on said indicia means being positioned at the building the top of the mortar layer; reference line, said platform position denes the placing a horizontally orientated platform portion of locations of successive brick rows, and urges the the L-shaped template member on the top surface of bricks into Said locations, the individual brick, while manually urging the temsaid handle means including a first member secured plate downward in abutting engagement with the to said L-s'haped member, brick, until indicia means on a vertically orientated said lirst member including a vertical recess, a second portion Of LeShaped template, displaced from the member located within said vertical recess for vertiplatform portion a first distance, are in horizontal cally reciprocating movement therein, -said second alignment with the building reference line, such that member including a first portion extending outward the template platform is in parallel alignment with 0f Said Vcfticai feces-S for manual grasping, and a the building reference, and displaced therefrom an second portion of appreciable mass to transmit an amount equal to said rst dis/[anca impact force through Suid Platform and against the 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the downward manbrick to be positioned, such that the reciprocable movement of said second member imparts a hammerlike blow to the brick being positioned.

3. A masons guide of the hand tool variety -for posiual urging of the template including the step of vertically reciprocating a mass mounted to said template member so as to transmit a downward impact force through the platform against the top surface of tioning successive rows of bricks, adjustable to accommodate different size bricks, comprising in combination,

a set of template members, including at least a first the brick being positioned.

6. The method of guiding bricks in accordance with claim 4, including the further step of and second substantially L-shaped template member, each template member including a vertically -orientatable first section, and a horizontally orientatable second section extending from a first end of said first section,

said second section including Ia planar surface to form a horizontal platform means at said first end for individually urging the :bricks into their desired locations,

said iirst section of said first member including a plurality of uniformly spaced indicia means having a first spacing along the vertical length thereof, with said lirst spacing corresponding to the vertical spacing 7 8 Y manually urging the template downward in abutting ing to the desired displacement between successive engagement with the bricks, such that the indicia rows of brick, is in horizontal alignment with the means in the vertically orientated template portion building reference line. is in alignment with the building reference line. 8. The method `of claim 7, including the positioning of 5 References Cited a successive row lof `bricksf on the previously positioned UNITED STATES PATENTS row, com risin the ste s o applyirg a hrizontaljlayer of mortar along the top sur- 3881827 9/1889 Cecfl 33 85 face `of the previously formed row of bricks; 2,543,716 2/1951 Caml 33- 85 X placing the bottom surface of a brick on the mortar 10 2,679,745 6/1954 Bartram 33-85 layer; placing the horizontally orientated platform of the L- FOREIGN PATENTS shaped template on the brick, while manually urging 312754 11/1933 Italy' the template downward in abutting engagement With y T l the brick, until another indicia means on the vertical- 1 LEONARD FORMAN Prlmmy Exammer' ly orientated template, separated from the previously H. N. HORIAN, Assistant Examiner. utilized indicia means a vertical distance correspond- 

1. A MASON''S GUIDE OF THE HAND TOOL VARIETY FOR POSITIONING SUCCESSIVE ROWS OF BRICKS, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A SUBSTANTIALLY L-SHAPED HAND-CARRIED TEMPLATE MEMBER, INCLUDING A FIRST SECTION, EXTENDING IN A FIRST DIRECTION, AND A SECOND SECTION PROJECTING FROM A FIRST END OF SAID FIRST SECTION, AND EXTENDING IN A SECOND DIRECTION, TRANSVERSE TO SAID FIRST DIRECTION, SAID SECOND SECTION INCLUDING A PLANAR SURFACE FORMING A PLATFORM MEANS EXTENDING IN SAID SECOND DIRECTION, FOR INDIVIDUALLY URGING THE BRICKS INTO THEIR DESIRED LOCATIONS, SAID FIRST SECTION INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF UNIFORMLY SPACED INDICIA MEANS ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF, WITH THE SPACING THEREOF CORRESPONDING TO THE SPACING BETWEEN SUCCESSIVE ROWS OF BRICKS TO BE GUIDED IN PLACE, HANDLE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID MEMBER FOR MANUALLY GRASPING AND MOVING SAID MEMBER TO SUCCESSIVE BRICK RECEIVING LOCATIONS, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN SUCCESSIVE ONES OF INDICIA MEANS AND SAID PLATFORM, CORRESPONDING TO THE SPACING OF SUCCESSIVE ROWS OF BRICK FROM A PREDETERMINED BUILDING REFERENCE LINE, SUCH THAT WITH SUCCESSIVE ONES OF SAID INDICIA MEANS BEING POSITIONED AT THE BUILDING REFERENCE LINE, SAID PLATFORM POSITION DEFINES THE LOCATIONS OF SUCCESSIVE BRICK ROWS, AND URGES THE BRICKS INTO SAID LOCATIONS, SAID HANDLE MEANS INCLUDING A VERTICALLY RECIPROCABLE MASS, MOUNTED TO TRANSMIT AN IMPACT FORCE THROUGH SAID PLATFORM AND AGAINST THE BRICK TO BE POSITIONED, SUCH THAT THE RECIPROCABLE MOVEMENT OF SAID MASS IMPARTS A HAMMER-LIKE BLOW TO THE BRICK BEING POSITIONED. 